Travel Lightbulb

Sorrento is known as the gateway to the Amalfi coast, but it's also a great place to visit even if you don't plan to travel around too much. It has a real buzz about it, and I've found a beautiful place to retreat to after a busy day exploring the sights. La Rupe Relais is a B&B with 6 rooms on the ground floor of a 16th century villa situated just five minutes walk from the old town. The building is a real landmark in Sorrento. It sits on a gorge which houses the remains of an ancient mill, and has beautiful gardens to relax in.  The rooms are furnished in an old Italian style, with antique furniture and elegant tapestries. They all have a private bathroom; mini fridge; safe; wi-fi and TV. The best thing is that even though you're in the centre of town, they're lovely and peaceful! There is also a pool in the gardens - a real relief to return here in the afternoon to cool off in the summer. As for the breakfast there are lots of choices...

Those of you who know me well will be well aware of just how much I love Portugal. I've been holidaying in the country since I was a little girl, and am now lucky enough to have a little hideaway there. It came as no surprise to me that Portugal has been named Best European Destination for the third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards Europe - the travel equivalent of the Oscars.  All in all, Portugal won an incredible 26 awards, with Lisbon being named the best city break destination, and the Algarve as Europe's Leading Beach Destination. So many people I meet have yet to visit the country and I have to say they're missing out! It's easy to get off the beaten track; avoid the tourist hotspots and find your own piece of paradise - even in the busier summer months. If it's not on your list, it should be.

Hello everyone. I'm pleased to say that after a busy few months, I'm back! Travel Lightbulb was always set up as a hobby, and sadly sometimes life (well....work to be honest!) gets in the way of that. I'm sorry I had to take a little pause in proceedings, but the good news is that I've been on my travels again and have a few amazing tips for you all.  This time, Italy was the destination of choice and I'll be sharing some of the brilliant places I've found over the next few months. I have a summer of travelling planned, so I'll be doing plenty of rambling on here in the coming weeks! It's nice to be back....and thanks as always for following x

Wondering where I've gone? Well that's nice because that means you care! I've had a really busy time of it with my "day job", so have struggled to keep up with the blogging. I'm currently taking some time to write up all the wonderful places I've been finding for you, and am hoping to have things up and running again soon.  Bear with me - I promise the wait will be worth it, I've got some cracking places to share with you in the coming months, and have already started planning this year's travel destinations. More on that very soon. Happy travelling to you all, and for those of you who are also busy with the day job....happy travel dreaming!

I really can't believe we're almost at the end of 2018. The year seems to have flown by, but it's been filled with wonderful times spent discovering new places, and re-visiting wonderful countries.  As you prepare to ring out the old, and look ahead to 2019, make sure you take a moment....life passes us all by so quickly, so pause....reflect...and then party! Thanks to everyone for supporting my little travel blog over the years. I wish you all a happy new year when it comes. xx

As this is my last blog post before the 25th of December, it's a simple message. I just want to wish you all a very happy Christmas!  Wherever you're spending the festive season, make the most of precious time with your loved ones, and enjoy the festivities! From Travel Lightbulb.....have a wonderful Christmas! xx

Many of you will be embarking on holidays in the coming weeks, as you head off to celebrate Christmas and New Year somewhere special. So I've come up with some top tips to help you have the best holiday ever.  Many people booking a holiday at Christmas time want to go somewhere warm, which means prices in places like the Caribbean and Mexico can be extremely high. Instead, why not go closer to home, to Italy, Greece or Spain - there is a much higher potential for cheap airfares.  Depressingly, lost bags on busier travel days of the year have a 50% increase, so the chances are you've got more chance of losing your bag in December than in March. Make sure you have a change of clothes so you aren't caught out!  If you're on a budget, consider celebrating away from home at the start of the New Year, rather than in the peak Christmas period. Travelling after January the 3rd can cut prices dramatically, and can also mean your destination is a bit less...

Argentina is the most visited country in South America, and one I'm desperate to travel to! Last year nearly seven million tourists visited Argentina and to further its appeal; the country is increasing flight connectivity, and turning its sights to promoting eco-tourism. There is so much to discover in Argentina. While it's well known for its gastronomy and huge passion for both football and tango, it also boasts 46 national protected areas - four of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Now the tourism authorities are hoping to promote another side of the country - including the hillsides of Cordoba; glamping in Patagonia, and glacier trekking in El Chalten. I've looked into both areas, and I think they sound amazing. It just goes to show Argentina has something to offer everyone....including some wonderful vineyards that I will discover....one day!